To turn or not to turn...that IS the question

Hi Andrew,
I was going through fur eilse with my teacher tonight and I was asking her about how to do the turn, and she said that there is some debate about if the big B actually wrote the turn in it at all. And I did notice on the youtube performance I have been watching by a concert pianist he does not put the turn in.

what's your opinion on this....it sure is easier without the turn

I'd say it's ultimately up to what you as a performer like to do. I think I did the turn when I played this piece, and I do like how it sounds, so if it was me I'd play it, but if I didn't like it, i would leave it out. Being a pianist is all about leaving your personal mark on the piece.

Hmmm, but isn't it bastardising the music to add the turn? I mean if he didn't write it in the orginal where does the line exist of what can be added to it?

Are you saying it's ok to add ornanintations where we feel like it if we think it sounds better? or perhaps I am being to purest

I know many pianists that adds turns and trill to many classical pieces. I dont think thats the faulest thing you can do. I say: Learn the trill, its Totally awesome It just takes a little extra time to manage
And is it 100% that he didnt write the trill or just discussion of it?
I have seen 4-5 sheets of fur elise from different places and they all got the trill added either as 32notes or as yours with the trillsign

Do it Live a little on the edge...

Yes but, IF the turn was not in the original isn't adding one a bit like adding a mustache to the mona lisa, or changing shakespear to "Oi romeo where the heck are ya?"

CaptainAhabNZ wrote:Yes but, IF the turn was not in the original isn't adding one a bit like adding a mustache to the mona lisa, or changing shakespear to "Oi romeo where the heck are ya?"

That's true, I think it's importaint to respect the composers work, but also at the same time, if you don't really KNOW what he wanted, you have no other option than to just go by what you like, unless of course you want to go dig beethoven up from the grave and ask him how he'd like it done!

Dig him up?......tsk tsk Andrew this is 2008!....now where did I leave that weege board and glass

Admin Andrew wrote:

CaptainAhabNZ wrote:Yes but, IF the turn was not in the original isn't adding one a bit like adding a mustache to the mona lisa, or changing shakespear to "Oi romeo where the heck are ya?"

That's true, I think it's importaint to respect the composers work, but also at the same time, if you don't really KNOW what he wanted, you have no other option than to just go by what you like, unless of course you want to go dig beethoven up from the grave and ask him how he'd like it done!

Hahaha Yeah go dig him up
Great comment! =)